The long-awaited Fifa Club World Cup finally got underway in the wee hours of today, and Mamelodi Sundowns’ midfield workhorse Teboho Mokoena is beaming with excitement ahead of their opening Group F match against Ulsan of South Korea on Wednesday.
The game will get underway at the Inter & Co Stadium in downtown Orlando, Florida, at midnight (SA time).
“I am excited, the team is excited, and we are looking forward to the tournament. This is a big stage, and we want to show the world what South Africa is capable of,” Mokoena told Sunday World ahead of the game.
“We also want to enjoy the experience because this type of thing or event usually comes once in a lifetime, so we want to make the most of the moment and enjoy it.”
The Premier Soccer League champions are also pitted against German Bundesliga outfit Borussia Dortmund and Brazilian giants Fluminense.
In terms of the targets they have set for themselves, Mokoena said they are aiming to
secure four points in their group, which would ultimately grant them passage to the knockout stages.
“Our target is to at least get four points from our group. But more than anything, we will be among the best teams in the world, which is amazing for us as a team,” Mokoena added.
The Ulsan match will be followed by a tricky second match against Dortmund on Saturday, and Sundowns will conclude their group stage against Fluminense four days later.
Meanwhile, other South Africans who will be raising the flag high in the US will be Wydad Athletic Club duo Cassius Mailula and Thembinkosi Lorch, including Bafana Bafana winger Elias Mokwana at Esperance de Tunis.
Mailula and Lorch will also be in action on Wednesday when Wydad face off against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. Wydad will also play Juventus and Al Ain in Group G.
Mokwana, on the other hand, will get a chance to play against Flamengo of Brazil, English Premier League side Chelsea, and Club León from Mexico.
Esperance will open their Club World Cup campaign against Flamengo on Tuesday.
